One Year Ahead of Schedule, Dynafit Announces New Ski Line
Despite a hard year for product design and development, the backcountry brand has decided to replace the Beast line with an all-new line now.
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Dynafit announced today that the brand is releasing its new line of freeride-oriented backcountry skis a season early. The new Free line, which includes the Dynafit Free 97, 97 W, and 107, will be replacing the Beast skis this season.
It’s been a difficult year for ski brands when it comes to designing and testing new products, which is why Dynafit’s announcement is especially noteworthy. After all, properly testing skis requires spending as much time on snow as possible, and that proved challenging during the pandemic.
Comparing the new Free line with the Beast skis, the changes are numerous, and the brand claims that much of the modifications have come directly from consumer feedback. While the construction is similar—poplar wood cores with carbon stringers and full ABS sidewalls—the Free line has a tighter turn radius and modified sidecut to enhance the skis’ quickness and playfulness. Dynafit also significantly stiffened up the tails and added a longer, higher rocker to help with turn initiation and improve maneuverability while floating in soft snow.
The Free 97 weighs in at a scant 1,460 grams (3 lbs 5 oz) in the 177cm length, while the Free 107 is only slightly heavier at 1,630 grams in the same length. The minimal weight is evidence that these skis are definitely built for uphill pursuits in places where the snow is soft and plentiful. The narrower Free 97 promises to be a solid option for day-in, day-out backcountry skiing, while the Free 107 holds promise for powder days and longer soft-snow pursuits.
Shops that placed orders for the Beast last season will instead get the new Free models as well as the appropriate pre-cut skins. SKI hasn’t had the chance to get on either model in the Dynafit Free line yet, but Outside+ members can expect to read our first reviews once there is enough snow to slide on in Colorado’s high country.
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In conjunction with this news, Dynafit released a video showcasing how the brand’s North American athletes and employees tested the new Free skis at Timberline on Oregon’s Mount Hood. The guys also took the skis above the ski area for a summit mission and some ski touring.
Dynafit Free 97 and Free 97 W Details
- Lengths (cm): 163, 170, 177, 184
- Dimensions (mm): 126-97-116
- Turn Radius (m): 19 (177)
- Weight: 1,460 g (177)
Dynafit Free 107 Details
- Lengths (cm): 173, 181, 188
- Dimensions (mm): 132-107-124
- Turn Radius (m): 21.5 (181)
- Weight: 1,630 g (181)
Also new this season: Preview the Dynafit Radical Pro Backcountry Ski Boot